Just got a pair of Saucony A2 to replace my usual racing flats (which have been discontinued) based on some discussions on ST within the past year. Wore them for the first time for a track workout last night (where I also learned that I can keep up with Haile Gebrselassie’s marathon pace for 800, but not 1200 meters). Have to say I’m impressed.
Very light
Very soft upper with nice sockliner
Soft, but not too soft sole. I’m 160 lbs and nowhere close to bottoming out the cushion on my size 9’s
The little tongue and heel tabs should work well for quick entry
well ventilated
I’m not sure about the drainage holes - first pair I have had with those, so I will have to see.
Overall, seems like a very well thought out shoe for fast training and shortish races.
Could be. The test model is out but I didn’t get it, I usually get stability trainers. They are smart company they don’t change for the sake of change. It could be a color change with new improved upper.
For the A3 (5/01/09) think eighties style neon. White base with neon green and neon orange highlights.
Same midsole/outsole with a new upper. Slightly more refined with less overlays and a gussetted tongue. About the only overlay is an arch lock on both sides and a toe cap.
Weight drops from 6.9 oz to 6.7 oz (mens) and 5.9 oz to 5.6 oz (the womens)
I have issues getting a sockless foot past the elastic straps on the inside of this shoe: I need to turn my foot so my little toe is down in order for it to not catch on the outside strap. In addition, the straps tend to bind on my foot and get pulled toward the toe box as I put in my foot. The latter is addressed with some vaseline equivalent.
DOH! I got the red ones, but the blue ones are hot (and match our team kits). I’ll just have to keep going to track so I can wear them out and justify some new ones for summer.
Really, that’s the only reason I’ll keep going to track.
Call City Sports in Boston. I just picked up a pair of type As for $35 over Thanksgiving. Maybe they will have your size (I’m a 13 which probably isn’t a big demand for this shoe).
I have the shoe as well and loved it last year. I agree with an earlier post about the elastic straps on the inside and getting my foot past them. I was contemplating cutting them out of the shoe. Does anybody know how that might affect the shoe?
